How To Start A Hobby Farm So You Don’t Want To Quit

Let me give you a quick word of advice before I tell you how to start a hobby farm. 

THE BIGGEST issue people have and why they fail or give up on their hobby farm is this

They get all the animals, try to grow all the things, and end up burnt out. Physically, mentally, and monetarily.

It’s not to say you can’t have fun. I want you to love what you do with your hobby farm. The saying “everything in moderation” applies to this too.

So I will be giving you some ideas to start your hobby farm intentionally so it won’t burn you out and you will be able to stick with it.

How To Start A Hobby Farm

Start with a plan. Period the end.

Take the time to skim through blogs, magazines, books, and catalogs. Know what your idea of a hobby farm is. You don’t have to make a vision board if you just want to raise chickens and have a small garden. Buuuut if you have a big vision then yes I think having a visual picture is a good idea.

You can make a Pinterest board or write it out in a notebook. Whatever works for you. But do something that will give you an “at a glance” picture of what you want to have on your hobby farm will help you stay focused.

When you don’t know what you’re working towards you will end up with more work than you ever thought possible. And more animals than you have the budget to pay for.

Those cute babies end up grown adult animals quicker than you will realize. When you know what you’re working towards and what your end goals are you can stick to that and not get distracted by shiny objects or that pretty chicken that you just can’t at the farm supply store.

Start Slow

It’s not a rush to see how quickly you can get all of your farm animals that you want to have. Or how many square feet you can make your garden before June.

Having a hobby farm is about enjoying the process and relaxation.

If you are starting in a new warm season then you have a little bit of time to start with one maybe two projects.

Pick your favorite or top two that you would like to see done this year. If you can’t decide start with the one that would cost you the least amount of money to get started.

Wondering: Should I Start A Hobby Farm?

Honestly, no one can decide that but you. But here are some things that you need to realize before you go getting animals or planting all the plants that tickle your fancy.

• Animals still need care in the dead of winter when you’re feeling sick and the days that you just don’t want to.

• Having a garden and growing things get you off the hook about 50% of the year however the garden still needs to be weeded intended to In the Heat of the summer and on the weeks when you want to go take a vacation. None of these things are easy and take a lot of work. Are you ready for it? Cuz that is how you’re going to answer the question if you should start a hobby farm.

What’s The Difference Between Hobby Farming & Homesteading?

Honestly, the only difference between farming and homesteading is the level of seriousness people take.

A hobby farm is something that someone takes a little less seriously isn’t looking to get lively hood from what they produce. The occasional fresh snacks from the garden are a treat and they may not even eat the meat that they could produce.

Homesteaders depend on the amount they can produce to feed their families. Even if they can’t do enough for the whole year. A large portion of their meals are homegrown.

Also, homesteaders do a lot more of the work themselves. They will preserve any food that they make and sometimes go as far as making things like their own flower.

But in all honesty, it’s what you want to raise not what other people think. You should do what level of hobby farming makes you happy and excited.

What are the cons of starting a hobby farm?

• Animal Care: You have to find someone who is willing to care for the animals you have when you go on vacation or longer than 24hrs. It’s not the same as taking a dog to a kennel and unfortunately, not many people are comfortable around farm animals.

• Gardens: They still need watered intended all through the summer in warm months going on vacation without anyone there to tend it will likely leave you coming back to an overgrown weed patch and wilted plants.
• Expense: Hobby farms can be as expensive or affordable as you want to make it. You have to be the one to set the budget and the boundaries to say yes we can do this or know this is too expensive. Set up a budget Andy willing 2 DIY in bootstrap as much as you can.

Be Realistic In Your Expectations

The more high-level you go the more work it’s going to take.

It makes me laugh but feel sorry for people who expect themselves to do everything. From making their own bread to raising match chickens and growing a year’s worth of vegetables. All the while still going to work and keeping their kids alive.

You might find this hard to believe but honest to God you can’t do everything.

When we think of “pioneers” or in the early 1800s when people did do all of those things and before manufacturing was a thing. It was their JOB they weren’t leaving to go make money at a 9-5.

So give yourself some grace in that area.

All in all really take a look at the lifestyle you want to have before you buy or try to get started doing anything with a hobby farm.

Want to keep on reading? I’ve got some other posts you might like.

• What You Need To Know To Raise Animals For Profit On A Hobby Farm
• 35+ Awesome Ways To Make Money Homesteading [Some you might not know exist]